How To Choose Your Slatwall
Slatwall is one of the most versatile display products available to merchants today to display a variety of goods. It has been used to display a variety of products such as: clothing, music, household goods, cellular accessories and merchandise of all descriptions. In fact, it is difficult to think of a product that has NOT been displayed on slatwall.
So, with slatwall being so popular, what considerations does a merchant have to take into account when choosing slatwall? The first choice is the visual presentation. How will the color you choose look in the store you have designed? How will your products look with the color you choose as a background.
Some Ideas for you to consider:
White is the best color to display most goods. Your merchandise will stand out on a white background. But, because white is usually the cheapest color for slatwall, it could look "harsh" and you might want to consider other solid colors such as gray, or almond, both popular colors for slatwall.
If you want to choose a woodgrain, it is important to note that the wood grain runs the 8' direction on the slatwall. This means that a standard 4' T x 8' W, horizontal panel will have the grain of the wood running left - right. If you use a vertical panel, the grain runs up and down. This can not be changed using LPL, low pressure laminate, also called melamine. If you use both horizontal and vertical in the same job, and you can see them together, they will NOT match.
The second biggest decision after the color choice is the strength of the panel. The rule to consider is: Slatwall, without metal inserts (optional at extra cost) are considered "light duty" but will support 25 lbs from one point.
If you are displaying goods that total more than 25 lbs from one point, it is likely you will "break" your slatwall. 100% of the weight supported is against the inside top lip of the slatwall. When you overload your slatwall, you will break out a piece from the top lip. There is no way to repair the slatwalll other than replacing it.
By adding metal inserts and properly mounting your slatwall, you have made it as strong as it can be. Installing by placing the screw through the metal insert, through the back of the slatwall, through the drywall and having the screw go at least 1" into the stud is the correct method to install slatwall with metal inserts.
If you are a clothing store, you can NOT use hangrails unless you have metal inserts. If you have a wallpaper store with heavy books, you must use metal inserts.
Slatwall, even with metal inserts is not meant to display heavy bottles of liquid and does not work well for Pool supplies companies.
If you choose your slatwall wisely, it should last you for several years under normal conditions.
Bob Colker
Mister Slatwall
A note about the author: Bob Colker is the owner of U S Slatwall.com and has been involved in the slawall industry for over 30 years, almost since the beginning of slatwall.